Needlepunching Update

This paper will outline some of the available upgrade opportunities for existing and new Needle felt lines which can improve production capacity, felt quality and properties.  These range from the web drafter which allows optimum card utilization even on lightweight fabrics to uniformity control and elliptical motion needle loomscontrol of weight variation not only improves product quality but also reduces the amount of fiber used to meet specification.  Elliptical needling minimizes uncontrolled draft in the needle zone and finds increased use in technical applications.  Felt initial modulus can now be controlled by incorporating a drafting zone in the loom take off system.  A new approach will also be described which allows high quality needlefelt to be produced in the 30-80 g/m² weight range.